2008 Chery Tiggo | new car review

Continuing the theme of having some pretty unusual names, the Chery Tiggo is a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4-sized SUV that has been out for a few years in China. Quite a smart looker, the Tiggo is powered by Chery’s own ATECO in-line 2.4-litre 16-valve SOHC producing 126hp and 195Nm of torque. Previous incarnations used a Mitsubishi-sourced powerplant.

A compact SUV with a long wheelbase though ensures decent roominess inside – both for occupants and cargo. Chery has tried hard to give a plush interior but closer inspection brings out the flaws in quality of materials used as well as fit and finish of the SUV. With everything built to a price, the Tiggo has features normally associated with more expensive rivals. These include dual SRS front airbags and side impact door beams for four doors. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are standard. Seats are faux leather and the plastics used are what the norm was about 10 years ago.

Although a compact SUV, the Tiggo’s 2510mm wheelbase ensures there is good enough space on the inside. The interior can be adjusted at will, with the front seats being 4-way or 6-way adjustable that flat fold to form a simple single bed with the rear seats also collapsed down.

The Tiggo is available in front wheel drive or AWD forms. Although not quite a hardcore SUV, it would be able to venture off black tops, but just about! The Lotus Engineering developed front suspension has independent MacPherson strut with variable-pitch conical coil spring, anti-roll bar, single transverse link and dual-acting tube damper, while the rear gets trailing arm with double wish bone, coil spring, tube damper and anti-roll bar.

Technical Specifications

Engine

2.4-litre 4-Cyl

Power

130bhp

Torque

201Nm

Transmission

Manual/Automatic

Price Range

Starts from UAE Dirhams 55000 – up to 65000*

* Prices are indicative and may vary at the time of purchase. All prices are ex-Dubai showrooms. Please check with your local dealer for current prices and offers.

Search By Make & Model

Top rated road tests

A tech marvel that commands respect if only for its breadth of abilities, even if you're not a fan of the looks or have subjective qualms - the latest Mercedes-AMG S 63 ups the power, ups the performance, and the luxury. It ups the ante. It's a supercar with massaging seats

According to Alan Kay, an American computer scientist, the best way to predict the future is to invent it. It may sound rather philosophical, but it couldn't be more apt than when describing Infiniti's newest offering, the Q50. It is, quite simply, a legend in its own right.

The Mitsubishi Attrage is a subcompact car from the Japanese brand that was incubated barely a year ago. Manufactured in Thailand, the Attrage takes on a new identity in a few markets of the world and goes by the name Mitubishi Mirage G4. Rivals to the Attrage are the dull Nissan Sunny and overpriced Honda City.